Dolores Ward

1930-2016

She was born April 1, 1930, in Warren, the daughter of Norman and Verna Mae Walters.

She was a Cortland resident her entire life. She was the valedictorian of the Bazetta class of 1948 and played the trumpet in the band.

She married William C. Ward II March 27, 1950, and they shared 58 years of marriage prior to his death in 2008.

During her working years, she worked for the Trumbull Cement Co., Packard Electric, the WT Grant Co., and Cortland Savings and Banking. She spent the later part of her life as a homemaker caring for her family.

Dolores loved to read, and her favorite vacation spot was northern Michigan.

The love of Dolores’ life was her family, especially her grandchildren. She was an excellent cook and baker and will always be remembered for the special holiday and birthday meals that she prepared.

Dolores is survived by her sons, William III (Janet) and Rob (Bernie Hardway); a daughter, Becky (Rich) Tucker; and her grandchildren, Elyse (Matt) Foust and Ethan (Darian) Ward, Travis (Brittany), Emily, Jacob, Abby and Sarah Ward, and Chris (Ally), Stephanie and Logan Tucker. She also had six great-grandchildren, Lily Foust, Troy and Brooklyn Ward, and Kailee, Brentlee and Hadlee Tucker.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a daughter, Melissa; and a sister, Helen Richards.

The family is very grateful to both Joyce and Kristie, who helped care for mom in her later years. The family would also like to thank Shepherd of the Valley in Howland and Hospice of the Valley for the outstanding care they gave mom in the final months of her life.

Friends may visit with her family 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2016, at Lane Family Funeral Homes, Shafer-Winans Chapel, 164 High St., Cortland, where a 7 p.m. funeral service will immediately follow.

Visit www.lanefuneralhomes.com to leave condolences for the family.

Contributions, in Dolores’s memory, can be made to Shepherd of the Valley Nursing Home or Hospice of the Valley.